Tag Archives: Residential Roofing Clearwater

Irrespective of the fact that you are installing a new roof from scratch or replacing the old roof, many materials are available in the market. The options are virtually endless with options ranging from asphalt, composite shingles, wood, concrete, clay tiles, slates, etc. The style is not the only important aspect, but you need to consider the weight of the material, the product costs and the necessary installation requirements. Hence, when you are going to choose a new roof for the house, always ensure you are considering the following points:

Square

Before finalizing the materials, it is important to check the specs. Instead of square feet, roofers measure the roof in squares. Here a single square measures 100 square feet (10x10ft) in the area. Hence, if the house measures 2500 square foot in the area and has a gable roof measuring 1,875 square feet, you need to buy 188-190 squares in total.

Cost Factor

Pricing of the material is the next important thing. The costs would substantially be high in case you are remodeling the house and stripping off the old materials. Additional expenses would also include the costs involved in repairing the supporting structure. Lastly, the shape of the roof will also be a major determinant too. While a gable roof having few breaks will be a simple roofing task, a house with multiple chimneys, turrets, intersecting rooflines skylights, etc. would substantially increase your costs.

Materials

It is not possible to use every type of roofing material on any roof. A flat roof or the one having a low slope will need a different material like a steeper pitch. The standard options that are available in the market include:

Asphalt Shingle: It is widely popular due to the minimal cost factor and the ease of installation. Made of fiberglass, it is impregnated with asphalt and comes with a surface similar to the sand-like granules. The prices start as low as $50 per square and go up with the kind of shingle that is selected and installed.

Wood: Use of wood for roof dates back to centuries and remains among the favorite options. The options range from redwood, southern pine, cedar, etc. Wood has a life expectancy of 25 years but costs twice as much as the other materials such as asphalt shingles.

Metal: Copper, steel, copper & asphalt, Aluminum, lead and other similar durable materials are also used for roofing purposes. Typically expensive, most of these are manufactured as seamed roofs comprising of vertical lengths of metal connected using a solder. Their range starts from $250.

Tile & Cement: Known as half cylinders of tile roofing, they are common on Spanish Colonial and Mission styles. They are expensive but highly durable and heavy.

Slate: Another durable material, slates are available from different quarries. They are sourced from Vermont, Pennsylvania and other states also provide multiple options. Starting from $800 a square, these can last for hundred years and above with low maintenance.

Finalizing your Choice

When it comes to remodeling, the existing roof of the house plays a most important role to complete the best roofing material. However, other factors such as texture, color, durability, weight, etc. will also be some of the crucial points to consider.

Key Installation Notes

Use flashing for exterior work on the roof and its siding. It is usually a metal or a plastic film that is applied in strips around areas where dissimilar materials are joined.
Irrespective of the choice of roof materials, coursing needs to be parallel to the edges. It is important that the joints are staggered from a course to the other to prevent any leakage.
Use cedar shakes or lengths of furring strips laid across the roof for allowing the roof to breathe.

For professional roofing services that are affordable and offered from experienced roofers, Kidder Roofing is a reliable name in the Clearwater area. For availing their services, dial 727-532-2300 or follow them on social media.

Elon Musk, the head honcho of Tesla Inc. that pioneered the large-scale use of plug-in electric cars and also specializing in energy storage solutions and solar panels, declared at a conclave that solar energy could power the entire US. At the National Governors Association Summer Conference held in July, he elaborated on how all the homes throughout US can be powered up solely with solar roof tiles. He elucidated that it would require a reasonably small area in Utah, Texas or California for installing 100 sq. miles of solar panels in order to accomplish the task.

Last year in October, Tesla released its up-to-the-minute products-an advanced Powerpack 2 and Powerwall 2, energy storage solutions and a versatile solar roof. In that year, Musk bought out SolarCity, a frontline photovoltaic cell manufacturing firm shelling out US$2.6 billion, synergizing its operations with those of Tesla. The merger enabled the innovative entrepreneur to promote the entire product line of Tesla, including solar roofs capable of fully replacing fossil fuels for meeting a home’s overall energy needs.

The energy that Tesla’s solar roofing taps from the rays of the sun is preserved in the Powerwall 2 which is technically speaking a battery for use in residences with a 14kWh rating. At daytime, the rows of solar shingles or tiles produce electricity as well as charge up the battery packs which thereafter lights up homes at night and also runs sundry appliances. Subsequently, the homeowner is relieved from the necessity of subscribing to a conventional utility service for fulfilling his electricity requirements.

Does it imply that solar roofs of Tesla will give utility and energy companies, a run for their money and eventually compel them to go out of business? As of now, that is still just a remote possibility and hence the idea may seem a little farfetched presently. Coming back to basics, each and every unit of Powerwall is sufficiently capable of supplying electrical power for a whole day.

To be precise, a typical Powerwall battery can be restructured and adapted to deliver the combined power of 9 such packs from a single unit. Alternatively, Powerpack2 which has been exclusively designed for heavy-duty commercial use is scalable to an unlimited extent. The solar roof is made up of photovoltaic cell units that are layered with glass tiles and colored optical louver films.

Tesla right now is offering four different types of solar tiles that have been designed with painstaking care which makes them appear like traditional terracotta, slate, wooden, asbestos, and metallic roofing shingles. Elon has taken advantage of a hydrographic printing technique for making his solar panels look nearly identical to conventional rooftop materials. Musk’s company started taking orders shortly after the conclave in which he outlined the benefits of the solar tiles.

And Tesla began processing the orders and rolling out the roofs from August. Melon is confident that the homeowner will be able to recoup his or her solar roof investment over a 30-year period and accordingly offering a warranty for a similar time period.

If you are homeowner or own a piece of real estate in Clearwater or Pinellas County, you can contact Kidder Roofing at 727-532-2300 for getting a quote on solar roofing.

When it comes to understanding your current (or future) roofing system, there is no “wrong” question. As a homeowner, it is essential that you ensure the integrity of your roof at all times, properly care for and maintain the shingles, and protect it from outside elements that could lead to damage that could have otherwise been avoided.
Let’s review the Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions about residential roofing – which in some cases also apply to business or industrial roofing setups.

1. How do I know when it’s time to purchase a new roof?

Typically, roofing shingles or wooden shakes will last between 15 to 30 years, depending on the weather and environment you live in, as well as any obstructions or damage from surrounding elements – such as branches. Another common trouble with worn or broken tiles is inadequate water irrigation systems, and flooding on your roof which may eat away at your current roofing system at a higher rate than anticipated.
Some signs of a broken or beyond repair roofing system needing a total replacement are: curling shingles, decayed or missing shingles, visible cracks, missing or rusted flashings, wind damage, missing shingles, and cracked or discolored interior drywall.
In such instances, investing in a professional roof replacement by a trusted roofer would likely make the most sense.

2. How much will a new roof cost?

Depending on the type of roofing system you choose, as well as the roofing professional you hire, prices can vary significantly. Also, take into consideration the grade, brand, and type of roofing systems you’re going to go with, as well as the size of your roof and if it has a sloping roofline.
Starting with an expert roofing professional is the way to go, and often you can receive a free quote in doing so. Don’t settle for cheaper materials or labor, as this can be more costly in the long-run for repairs, or an otherwise improperly installed roofing system.

3. If I’ve received three various offers for repairs or roof replacement, how do I know which one to go with?

Depending on the scope of work to be done, whether it’s removing entirely or fixing your current roofing system you should take into full account the necessary work. In many cases, flashing work, ventilation or adding new vents, and removal-costs might be included in the quoted price – or additional. Also, the installation method, as well as proposed deadline should play significant roles in determining which professional to go with – and why.
Other variables to take into consideration are payment procedures, and of course length or type of warranty, such as what is covered in the instance of poor installation, improper workmanship, or even water leakage later on.

4. Why has my professional roofer only offered one year warranty on my asphalt shingle roofing system?

It is important to create a distinction between a manufacturer’s warranty and a contractor’s warranty – which is typically one based solely on his or her workmanship. However, a contractor’s warranty will likely offer much less coverage and typically remains relevant only to installation issues. Therefore, carefully review the contract and warranty details to see what’s covered or isn’t before starting the work. Always ensure you also receive the necessary certificates, documents, and warranty or guarantee contracts for your new roofing system.

5. Can I replace or repair my current roof on my own?

Speaking frankly, attempting to change or repair a roof on your own can be very dangerous, or even more costly in the long run. Typically, professional roofers have years of experience, and certain qualifications, licensing and insurance that the average home owner will either not be familiar with or possess. Worse, an everyday homeowner might damage the roofing system further, accumulating even more unwanted costs.
Also, the professional equipment – including safety equipment – necessary for most roofing system jobs and installations are very costly, and may not be something considered by the average DIYer.
Ultimately, depending on the style, materials, and type of home you have, roofing experience, and installation can vary greatly. This is why it’s so important to go with a reputable, trusted, and licensed roofer.
If in doubt, continue to research online the various types of roofing systems available to you, and what might make the most sense given the climate and environment you live in.

For starters, metal roofing is a much more efficient, practical, and affordable solution for preserving the integrity of your home, as well as saving you a multitude of other costs in the process.
There are many reasons why you should consider metal roofing, so read on to review the Top 10 reasons to invest in metal roofing the next time you consider repairing or replacing your current roof.

1. For starters, going with a metal roofing system means you’ll have the best roofing installation and materials in the market when it comes to preventing fires. Metal roofs, by industrial standards, are Class A which is the highest class for preventing fires, making them practically “fireproof.”

2. While competing for roof setups rely on materials like asphalt that only last an average of 15-20 years, metal roofing in almost every instance will last between 30-50 years, and in many cases will include up to a 50-year manufacturer’s warranty.

3. A metal roof is a perfect solution if you live in an exceptionally sunny or hot climate, as metal roofing will reflect UV rays and thereby prevent any UV damage and the unwanted wear and tear that comes along with it.

4. Unlike wooden or concrete tile roofs, metal roofing won’t dry out, crack, or ‘curl.’ Also consider, concrete roofing systems although quite durable, do not hold up well against freeze/thaw cycles which are a major drawback regarding stability or your roofs overall integrity or longevity.

5. A Metal Roof will retain both its strength and cosmetic appearance over the years while competing and often more expensive roofing materials will not – and also require more consistent, extensive and costly repairs from maintenance over the years.

6. If you’re looking for the most environmentally-friendly solution for your next roof, then metal roofing is the perfect solution! According to statistics, more than 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles are dumped in land-fills yearly! While metal roofs, on the other hand, are made from 56% all the way up to 95% in recycled materials.

7. Metal roofs are unique, as they can minimize labor and cost while maximizing convenience by being placed on top of current roofing setups, and for a fraction of the price of other leading inrdustry materials and brands.

8. Going with a metal roofing installation also means saved costs on insurance, as home insurance companies give preference and discounts to those with metal roofs in comparison to other materials. In fact, in the course of having to replace your asphalt shingle roofs twice over the period of 30 years, you’d still have the same, durable, and brilliant metal roof up and running just fine, for 50 years or more!

9. Metal roofs serve a great added purpose of saving you costs for heating or air-conditioning your home, as it is the industry’s leading material for effectively preserving insulation.

10. For anyone interested in investing in a metal roof it’s also worth considering that metal roofing is one of the most lightweight in the industry – at just an average of 50-150lbs per square. This means an easier and faster installation, which amounts to fewer labor costs for installation – as well as maintenance costs.

Trusting metal roofing for your next home installation repair or repair also offers many other benefits, like structuring your roof to have minimum roof pitch, which equals less of a leaking potential when it rains. The minimum metal roof pitch is 3-in-12 and is excellent for shedding away both rain and snow – as the panels interlock.

Metal roofs are also made both hard for durability, as well as slippery for keeping debris and other elements from weathering off your roof. Best of all, there are practically identical amounts of various beautiful styles of metal roofing to choose from, that will match any home or neighborhood.

Finally, metal roofing installations come with concealed fasteners which add both to beauty and weather tightness, and many have transferable warranties which mean the next owner of your home can easily obtain the same benefits and guarantee of your homes roof.

From Kynar 500 to Hylar 5000 coatings, there is a metal roofing setup for everyone in nearly any climate!

Shingle roofs are gaining significant popularity in today’s modern homes, as well as those looking to upgrade their roofing systems without spending too much or losing out on long-term benefits of a stable, practical roof.
Below you’ll find the top 10 reasons why shingle roofing makes the most sense for your home and is in fact quite comparable to other, leading materials and roofing setups that easily cost up to four times or more of the price of shingle roofs.

1. Shingle roofs provide the perfect solution for a more aesthetic appeal, yet cost a fraction of the price of more sophisticated or costly premium material roofing like slate, clay tiles, metal, and cedar shakes. Shingle roofs require the lowest upfront costs, and because it is the most affordable short-term solution is becoming more popular. In fact, asphalt shingle roofs, for example, have an expected lifespan of at least 12 to 17 years, which is pretty fair considering the costs paid and overall quality.

2. Going with a shingle roofing setup means you’ll be able to choose from not only a comparably similar variety of colors and styles but also between organic and fiberglass tiling options.

3. A shingle roof setup will still hold up to rain and other common weather elements, and typically either include a unique mineral ‘filler’ or asphalt layer that protects and reflects both sun and rain.

4. Organic shingles are more durable than other fiberglass shingle roofing systems, yet cost much less. Customers can also invest in not only 3-Tab shingle tiles but also Laminated and Premium designs as well – making them the perfect match for both contemporary and traditional styled homes.

3-Tab shingles are practical and often come with 20-30 years of limited warranty – and can also withstand up to 60mph-70mph wind uplift which is pretty impressive. At approximately just $25-$30 per bundle, this is a very cost effective way of both protecting and giving your home the stylish appearance you desire.

6. Shingle roofing systems are much lighter, which means they are not only easier to install as mentioned above, but will also cost less money, and be more flexible when it comes to windy days, which is a major plus.

7. For matching a broad range of angled roofs, shingle roofs are the perfect, versatile solution.

8. You may choose from a variety of premium grades or types of shingle roofing, such as laminated or premium. Outside of these two, you may also elect to go with a “matt design” which means both more reflection of light, as well as a more durable build that will provide an excellent cost to value for weather resistant design. Assembling shingle roofs also require no accessories or specialized labor like wall terminations, chimney, or vent flashings which mean you again save money on installation.

9. Installing a shingle roof will still give the same, desirable “3D” effect for your house without the extra costs of a more specialized, costly, and expensive to maintain roofing system.

10. Shingle roofs are designed with a Class 1 Fire Rating which means they’ll hold up very well in normal hot temperatures – within reason – although would not be an ideal choice for consistently humid and hot climates, in places such as Arizona or Florida for example.

Shingle roofs come in various, stunning color palettes, and even protect against external noise – so your home stays both safe and peaceful. Popular choices for tile roofing are Crowne Salte and Cambridge. Many shingle roofing systems also come with impact resistance (IR) and are available in at least 12 colors.

A shingle roofing setup is also perfect for steep-sloped structures, which is not as common with more premium materials like clay tiles or cedar shakes.

Best of all, tile roofs require less maintenance, and it is nowhere near as costly as competing for roofing systems. You can even walk across your tile roofing and not have to worry about breaking or caving in your roof!

Roof maintenance does not have to be difficult, disheartening, or impossible without shelling out tons of money to cover unwanted costs. In fact, quite the contrary, regular maintenance, and a quality roof setup are more than likely to last you at least 15 to 25 years on average. And, if you’ve just purchased a new home, then, one of your first major steps should be having either someone knowledgeable you trust, or a licensed professional come out and inspect it, to prevent any future excessive costs.

Regular inspections and basic roof maintenance like cleaning out the gutters or keeping an eye on things up there can make all the difference between making or breaking your roof.

On average, a roof will cost anywhere from $10,000 – $20,000 or more, depending on the type of roof you decide to go with, and the size of your home’s roof. For starters, an excellent routine to get into is checking the condition of your roof before and after every major season change. Also, inspect the condition of your roof tiles, gutters, and look out for any anomalies right before, and after any major storm or weather change. Often, you will be able to notice things like peeling, shattered tiles, missing tiles, cracks, or granules on your own – as you’ll know your roof better than anyone else. Although, ultimately, regular roof maintenance should include you putting special precautions in places, such as gutter screens, regular cleaning, and the unclogging of any irrigation systems tied to your roof.

Other common and effective roof maintenance are regularly inspecting your ceilings and roof for any unusual or unsafe wear and tears, such as mold – or breaking and cracks which could be serious cause for concern. Often, loose bolts or flashings are the culprit and can be easily fixed or replaced for just a few dollars – as opposed to the thousands of dollars it could cost you later on.

As far as cleaning and roof maintenance goes, you may be surprised to learn that there are several Do It Yourself (DIY) methods available using simply a broom and hose to clean up. Also, moss and mold removing cleaning agents can be helpful, and, in most cases, the majority of this type of regular cleaning and maintenance can be done for a fraction of the cost of a professional. Although, for those with less experience or a lack of tools and “know-how”, results can be poor, and it may very well be more affordable to have a professional come out and do it for the sake of preventing any accidents.

Speaking of assistance, always ensure you have a partner, or a “spotter” when using a ladder, and don’t ever rest your ladder on the gutters themselves. That is, as they are typically made of a thin metal which can bend (damaging your irrigation system), and can cause you to fall off your ladder.

The rooftop which shields you and your family from the elements as well as protects the interiors is that part of the home which is vulnerable to suffer the maximum damage in the long run. However, when it comes to renovating the home, most homeowners or property developers tend to focus more on revamping the inner sections, postponing upkeep of the roof. The rooftop, needless to say, is the most significant structure of your dwelling that not only shelters you from the vagaries of weather but also help maintains the market value of the residence.

So, you can afford to continue avoiding taking care of the top of your house at your own peril. But how’d you make out whether you need to opt for a routine repair job or go in for roof replacement? Of course, reroofing either partially or wholly might be rendered a futile exercise and an expensive affair if a simple patching solves the issue. However, the line that demarcates patching from replacement can get blurry sometimes and therefore it is necessary to conduct research to get to the root of the issue. There are some tell-tale indications based on which you can decide whether roof replacement would be more feasible than repairing or vice versa.

1. Has your roof become too old showing signs of decay?

The roof serves as the protective layer or shield that weathers maximum wear and tear as well as damage from inclement weather. The rooftop braves the ravages wrought by rainwater, sultriness, heat, and snow in order to keep the inside of your home comfortable throughout the year. There must have been times when a snowstorm or hurricane wrecked heavy damage to the shingles and there are signs of the rooftop creaking as it not able to keep out hot or cold air with the same effectiveness as it once used to.

In case you built or purchased your dwelling in the seventies or eighties and didn’t carry out repair jobs periodically, it is high time you started considering roof replacement.

2. Is your roof simply leaking?

Don’t get unnerved if droplets of water fall on your head or if you spot dampness on the walls of your living room. It could be that leak or leaks may have developed on the roof or under the attic beneath the rooftop. After carrying out a thorough inspection if you find that only a particular section on the top, either on the eaves or an area between the shingles (or in the loft) is leaking, only a simple patchwork that plugs the seepage will fix the problem. In such a scenario, going in for reroofing will simply not be required.

3. Keep an eye on shingles

The shingles or pebbles on the roofs of homes situated in hot climes harden up and crack over time. In case you spot this issue, you can assume that the deterioration or damage is spreading underneath. Only a roofing contractor can tell you what’s going on, so hire one.

4. Repair and save

If you spot a leak, plug the seepage without delay and start saving for a roof replacement that may become unavoidable in the future.

Understanding shingle roofing can mean all the difference between you preserving, maintaining and repairing your roofing accordingly or reaping the consequences of neglecting to do so.

In general, roofing and shingle roofing can be quite expensive for an entire roof – although can be affordable for a simple repair or replacement of a few shingles or row.
That is, barring you’ve had your shingle roofing done by a reputable professional, in the right ways, and it hasn’t outgrown its anticipated life-span.

Homeowners will often notice that the true potential of life-span and maintenance of their shingle roofing materials will come down to the weather and conditions it undergoes over the years. Naturally, the more winds and rain-storms the more likely deterioration will take place – especially in climates where there are extreme wet, hot, and cold shifts in the temperature. This is why shingle roofing tiles are often made of different materials, dependent upon the location or your budget.

Sometimes, home-owners might find roofing shingles sprawled out over their yard or the front of their property after a big storm or other powerful weather pattern or natural disaster. This isn’t ever really a good sign, but all hope isn’t lost! Contacting a professional – as well as insurance adjuster- to come out to your home to ensure the fastening mechanisms, safety, and efficiency of your shingle roofing can make all the difference between paying a small amount of money now, or thousands of dollars (or more) later!

It’s important to ensure that if you suspect you have coverage through your home-owners insurance for such damages, that you reach out to a professional and the insurance company itself as swiftly as possible so that you maintain accountability. Make it a point to take pictures of the tiles laying in your yard or ion your property, and if possible snap photos of the damages of the roof, including from up top – if possible and safe only.

A lot of people in these types of situations fear that the reporting and filing of a claim for such an incident is going to negatively impact their homeowner’s insurance premium. While such a worry is understandable, it’s not quite as probable as one might think. In fact, an insurance company is going to likely be much more pleased with repairing a small – weather related – damage to your shingle roofing than having to replace the entire roof due to neglect, lack of maintenance, or reporting. It’s most often those that don’t maintain their home and property, account for changes or necessary repairs, or come up with questionable scenarios and claims that insurance companies seemingly reject most often